Beloved friend and colleague Gareth Roberts, age 44, sadly passed away on 29 February 2020 leaving all who knew him deeply saddened, by this tragic and senseless loss.

Gareth was born on 25 August 1975 and was a true son of the City of Pietermaritzburg.  He was born, raised and educated in Pietermaritzburg and matriculated at Maritzburg College in 1993. He believed in serving the greater good of his community and was highly committed to helping those less fortunate than himself. This shone through brightly in his work as a pastor, where he had a strong and positive impact on the lives on many around him.

Gareth’s passion for helping people was evident throughout his 14-year career at Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal where he went above and beyond to serve the best interests of the members. Prior to embarking upon his journey with the Association, he had spent 8 years working for local plumbing and sanitaryware supplier ‘On Tap’. This gave him a firm grasp of the needs of supplier members whom he always did his best to promote.

During his time at the Association Gareth developed an unbridled passion for Occupational Health & Safety and gave his all to make the industry a safer place.  He completed his National Diploma in Health and Safety through Unisa and later registered as a Health and Safety Manager with SACPCMP. His heartfelt concern for the wellbeing of others was once again evident from the image based OHS training he introduced in order to help labourers on site. He also prided himself on his ability to communicate complex OHS policies and legislation in a basic and understandable manner and went on to write several industry safety related articles, which appeared in SA Builder Magazine.

Gareth never shied away from a challenge and achieved notable success in the managing of the Association’s Recruitment Agency. When the Association implemented the ‘Your Membership’ software programme, he dived in headfirst and led the way for his colleagues. Gareth always made himself available and members knew that they could count on him day or night. He worked with passion, integrity and energy.

Those of us who are blessed to have known him will sorely miss a highly intelligent, vibrant individual with a rare friendliness and kind-heartedness that few of us in life get to encounter. Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him. …….. Rest in Peace Friend.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal